Magic, myth spring to life in 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'

Tuesday

Oct 2, 2012 at 5:46 PMOct 2, 2012 at 5:48 PM

Guest director Jessica Magers-Rankin is going with a fresh take on “The Sorcerer's Apprentice,” the next Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse production. She is setting the traditional magical tale in a contemporary urban setting which will allow young audiences to connect to it more easily.

by Judy DiGregorio/Special to The Oak Ridger

Guest director Jessica Magers-Rankin is going with a fresh take on "The Sorcerer's Apprentice," the next Oak Ridge Junior Playhouse production. She is setting the traditional magical tale in a contemporary urban setting which will allow young audiences to connect to it more easily.

Presented at the Playhouse by B&W Y-12 and drawn from an ancient Greek myth, "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" transports us to a world where being good is not always easy. Inspired by a bewitching cat in the Sorcerer's workshop, Klaus, a lazy apprentice, tries to use his master's magic to do everyday chores. Soon he unlocks more magic than he imagined possible. Both Klaus and the Sorcerer must learn to use their magical powers as they struggle with the good and evil at their command. Their struggle reminds us there are always consequences for our actions.

"The most important message of the story," says Magers-Rankin, "is one of choice, the incredible capacity everyone has for good and evil, and how each individual must decide for himself or herself how to act." She encourages her talented group of young actors to explore the message of the story and consider their own stories unfolding in their lives and the world around them.

The entire family will enjoy this highly theatrical and spirited escapade that opens Saturday, Oct. 6, with 1 and 4 p.m. showings. You may also see the show at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 7. Tickets may be purchased at the performance or online at www.orplayhouse.com. Prices for all seats are $10. Children under the age of three are not admitted.

This production is made possible through support from WUOT 91.9 FM, the Arts and Culture Alliance of Knoxville, and the Tennessee Arts Commission.